Avi Cohen Obituary

JERUSALEM (AP) — Avi Cohen, a former Liverpool defender who became the first Israeli to play in England's top league, has died. He was 54.

Cohen died Wednesday from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident last week, despite doctors having performed extensive brain surgery in an attempt to save his life.

Cohen was among the first Israeli players to sign for a major European team when he joined Liverpool in 1979. He made 24 appearances and scored one goal for the club before returning to Israel to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv. He also played for Scottish club Rangers in 1987-88, and was a longtime captain of the Israeli national team.

His son Tamir currently plays for Bolton in the English Premier League.

Cohen is survived by his wife and three children. His funeral is set for Wednesday.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Avi Cohen, a former Liverpool defender who became the first Israeli to play in England's top league, has died. He was 54.

Cohen died Wednesday from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident last week, despite doctors having performed extensive brain surgery in an attempt to save his life.

Cohen was among the first Israeli players to sign for a major European team when he joined Liverpool in 1979. He made 24 appearances and scored one goal for the club before returning to Israel to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv. He also played for Scottish club Rangers in 1987-88, and was a longtime captain of the Israeli national team.

His son Tamir currently plays for Bolton in the English Premier League.

Cohen is survived by his wife and three children. His funeral is set for Wednesday.

Guest Book Highlights

"Avi Cohen was my Hero, I grew up as a kid in Israel and he was the Hero to all my friends, we loved him. May he rest in peace, and may god comfort the Cohen family."- guy ranon (woodland hills, CA)

"My Dear Dorit, I heard the news on the radio and could not believe it was avi, I always think of you avi and the children and the great friendship we had when you were in liverpool my thoughts and love are with you all at this sad time I would..."

"May your heart bewared by the good thoughts and wishes of your friends. Judith. C"

"HaMakom Y'Nachiem Et'Chem B'Toch Avelei Tzion V'Yerushalayim. May Hashem comfort you together with the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem."

"May the God of all comfort (2corint 1:3) be with the Cohen family during there time of bereavement."- B Johnson (Atlanta, GA)